Missed Humility, Stupid Arrogance

1 Samuel 23:4 Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, “Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.”

Psalm 31:1In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

Matthew 7:3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Observations:

As usual, several things leaped out at me in today’s readings that apply to the issues in my life. First, I like the way David didn’t make a move without consulting God: “Should I; will they; what should I?” Even though David was a great leader and he had good judgment, he had learned earlier in his life to depend upon God – mainly because of some earlier mistakes he had made. Second, the “deliver me” passage from Psalms definitely relates to David’s attempts to flee from Saul, but mostly it applies to me in my mistakes yesterday. Third, I repent of my “need” and push to reform others when I still harbor great sin in my own heart.

Applications:

I have to learn to consult God before I make any major decision.

God will rescue me – and “carry” [nasa] me when I have stumbled.

I need greater humilty!

Prayer:

Father God, Lord Jesus, Gentle Spirit: Please forgive me for I have sinned. My pride and arrogance has once again blossomed into cockiness. I have stepped deeply into the dysfunction of fixing and meddling. It is against you I have sinned. Please forgive me. Please rescue me from the shame and dysfunction of my life and move me forward into greater holiness and a better reflection of you. I’m sorry God. I have done great damage to your ability to use me and I have overstepped my role and your purposes.